The 12 BEST Pickup Trucks In 2024!
Ford Maverick - best compact/small pickup
The Ford Maverick is a pretty unusual pickup because it exists in a class of just two, competing only against the somewhat more expensive Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Based on the Ford Escape’s crossover framework, the Maverick is among the most affordable cars the Blue Oval brand sells. It moves away from the traditional body-on-frame structure typical of large trucks, embracing a unibody design that also takes cues from the Bronco Sport. That positions it below the mid-size Ranger into the Ford pickup lineup.
And even so, the Maverick is surprisingly capable, comfortable and small enough to fit into a suburban garage or downtown parking space. We love the practical cabin layout, the zippy acceleration of the turbo four, and the solid truck utility.
Although your old man might not consider it a truck, the Maverick comes in a four-door crew cab configuration, with a reasonable 4.5-foot bed that can handle as much as 1500 pounds of payload.
The heart of this “minibeast” is either a turbocharged 2.0-liter or a hybrid 2.5-liter, with the latter being an added-cost option. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder makes a spunky 250 horsepower delivered to the front wheels by an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. All-wheel drive is also available at an added cost. Equipped with the right accessories, this Maverick is capable of towing up to 4,000 pounds.
The hybrid powertrain makes 191 horsepower combined, but it only comes with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
On the road, the Maverick delivers a spirited punch. The 2.0-liter can reach 60 mph from a standstill in about 6 seconds, while the hybrid needs a lot more motivation with about 7.7 seconds. Nonetheless, both versions get the job done quite nicely, both on tarmac and rough terrain. Moreover, Ford went ahead and gave the Maverick a Tremor Off-Road package that improves its off-road prowess even more.
The cabin is nicely configured, and most models offer a generous list of features for a very good price. For almost $28k, you can buy the XLT trim, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, rear underseat storage compartments, a power lock for the tailgate, six-speaker stereo system and an 8-inch touchscreen.
All models come with four full-size doors and a comfortable back seat. With the Lariat trim, starting at over $35K, you get a lot more amenities, such as dual-zone climate control, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless charging, 8-speaker B&O premium sound system, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and evasive steering.
Fuel efficiency is great, especially for the hybrid Maverick. EPA estimates 42 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. The nonhybrid, however, is rated at only 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with front-wheel drive.
Toyota Tacoma - the midsize jack of all trucks
Toyota’s popular midsize pickup, Tacoma, receives a full revamp for 2024, sporting a more muscular, really good-looking style, better suspension and revised powertrains. Building on its long-standing good reputation, the 2024 Tacoma remains a proper workhorse for truck enthusiasts looking for a jack of all trucks.
A turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder powers every 2024 Tacoma. However, there are multiple configurations. The base entry-level SR model produces 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque and it comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but you can also upgrade to four-wheel drive with low-range gearing.
In the middle of the powertrain line, we find a 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque configuration, paired with the same eight-speed automatic. Power drops slightly to 270 hp if you opt for the six-speed manual transmission.
Topping the line, we have a hybrid. Toyota likes to call it i-Force Max, and it pairs the same 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor and battery pack, increasing total output to 326 hp and 456 lb-ft of torque. You will find it as an option on the TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited trims, and as standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter. Yes, this powertrain replaces the old 3.5-liter V6, but don’t pout just yet, because the hybrid might be just as good, especially in the low-rev areas. For example, the V6 needed around 4,600 rpm to muster 265 lb-ft of torque, while the hybrid can punch out 317 lb-ft from as low as 1,700 rpm. Moreover, the hybrid manages a 7.2-second 0-60 mph run, which is about 0.4 seconds better than the old V6.
#bestpickup2024 #pickuptruck
17 апр 2024
